Lens Guides

Exploring the Rockies with the Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary Lens

The temperature has warmed, the passes are free of snow and the wildflowers are peaking. Summer in the Colorado Rockies is as stunning as it is brief. One of the best ways to experience the rustic beauty of the back country is to spend a few days backpacking through it with a camera and the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary Lens in hand.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 18mm | 1/25 sec, f/13, ISO 200

The chosen route would have us hiking close to thirty miles with four high passes taking us well over 12,000 feet and a total elevation gain over 8,000 feet. Choosing appropriate photo gear for an adventure like this is crucial.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 18mm | 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 400

You don’t want to bring too much and get weighed down, but you also don’t want to bring too little and be left missing photo opportunities. What’s my solution? Simple, the Sigma 18-300 3.5-6.3 C lens.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 300mm | 1/500 sec, f/8, ISO 400

For me, the greatest strength of the Sigma 18-300 C lens is its versatility. It checks so many boxes that for many shoots I find it hard to leave it at home.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 142mm | 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 800

Wide angle: Check

Super telephoto: Check

Macro: Check

Optically stabilized: Check

Light and packable: Check

High quality Images: Check

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 300mm | 1/1000 sec, f/9, ISO 800

On this backcountry adventure I used the Sigma 18-300 C to its full potential. I shot wide-angle landscapes one minute and telephoto scenics the next. I photographed wildlife and wildflowers using super telephoto and macro capabilities all with the same lens.  I shot with the aperture wide open and stopped down as well as hand-held and tripod mounted…it performed well at each and every task.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 300mm | 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 400

When I returned home I put it to another test. Prints! I made a few 17×22 inch prints and they look fantastic.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 18mm | 1/10 sec, f/8, ISO 400

I have put the Sigma 18-300 C to the test on a variety of shoots from family adventures, wildlife, ski action, bike action, and travel. I have even taken it with me on assigned shoots with numerous images making it into print magazines.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | Tear sheet from magazine

The Sigma 18-300 C lens is a fantastic choice whenever weight and packability are top considerations. The versatility of the lens is incomparable and I even lean on it for professional applications from time to time.  If you are looking for a do-everything lens for your crop sensor camera look no further. Pick up a Sigma 18-300 C lens and see how versatile it can be on your next adventure.

© Liam Doran 2018 | Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C Lens | 128mm | 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 800

All pictures in this article were taken with the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | C lens.

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